NHAI will build new Zuari bridge: Alemao

PANJIM, JULY 23
Goa government for the last many years had been trying to construct a parallel Zuari bridge. In the last few years, PWD ministers had announced that they would take the work. But on Thursday, PWD Minister Churchill Alemao announced in the Goa Assembly that construction of a new Zuari bridge would be taken up by NHAI shortly.
He made the statement while replying to a cut motion moved by the Opposition on delay in construction of parallel Zuari bridge. The Opposition questioned the minister as to why the new Zuari bridge has not been constructed when the condition of the bridge has weakened over the years.
Alemao said when it was known that the bridge was showing signs of weakness, measures were taken to strengthen the bridge in consultation with the ministry of surface road, transport and highways (MOSRT&H) and accordingly Rs 8.03 crore was spent on it. Periodical inspections are also being carried out, he said.
Action was initiated by the State Government to take up the construction of new Zuari bridge and the even feasibility study was taken up to construct a cable-stayed bridge on Build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis.
However, MOSRT& H has informed the State that the 4/6 laning of NH17 is being taken up under NHDP-III. Zuari bridge being part of NH 17, the construction of the bridge would be taken up by NHAI, he told the House.